The WTO publishes a guide to accelerate the accession of Arab countries and boost their trade.

Photography WTO.

World Trade Organization

The WTO, in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank and the Arab Monetary Fund, has launched a study to guide Arab economies through their accession process. The report analyzes the challenges and best practices for integrating into the multilateral trading system.

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La Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC), in collaboration with the Banco Islámico de Desarrollo, Fondo Monetario Árabe and the Centro Islámico para el Desarrollo del ComercioA key study on best practices for the accession of Arab countries has been published. The aim is to analyze the challenges and lessons learned to boost their global economic integration.

The report, titled "Best practices in WTO accession for Arab countries: Lessons from past and ongoing accessions in the Arab world"It concludes that greater integration into the multilateral trading system can significantly broaden the economic and development prospects for these economies. This view aligns with the statements of the Director-General of the OMC, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who during the conference Per Jacobsson Lecture en Washington D.C. In October 2024, he emphasized that the multilateral system serves as "an anchor for domestic economic reforms, supporting sustained growth, diversification, regional integration and stability."

Structural challenges and the impact of regional instability

The release of the study comes at a time when several Arab economies are grappling with the effects of instability and conflict in the region. The document precisely identifies the legal, economic, and political challenges at the national and regional levels that have hampered the pace of internal reforms necessary to complete their accession processes. It is worth noting that the cutoff date for the data included in the report, January 31, 2026, predates the start of the current crisis. Oriente Medio.

One of the critical points analyzed in the report is the disparity in the transportation infrastructure in the region. Deficiencies are noted in key areas for foreign trade such as customs procedures, logistics costs and the quality of land and sea transport corridors. In this regard, the study underscores the strategic importance of investing in the development of transport networks, ports, airports, and energy projects to facilitate trade, expand export opportunities, and attract investment.

Situation of the members of the Liga Árabe in the OMC (2026)

State of Adhesion	Countries	Number
Members of the OMC	14 of the 22 members of the Liga Árabe.	14
Accessions negotiated since 1995 (Art. XII)	Jordania, Omán, Arabia Saudí, Yemen y Comoras (2024).	5
Currently under negotiation	Argelia, Irak, Líbano, Libia, Somalia, Sudán y Siria.	7

Internal reforms and technical assistance as catalysts

The study insists that the internal reform and economic diversification, driven by the process of joining the OMCThese are fundamental to creating competitive market conditions and fostering a favorable business environment. Furthermore, the need for technical assistance and capacity building is highlighted, both for accession negotiations and for the subsequent implementation of the regulations. OMC.

Belonging to the OMC It has proven to be an engine for economic growth and regulatory reform in Arab economies. Therefore, the report recommends that governments commit to aligning their policies and legislation with the organization's standards, establishing robust regulatory institutions, and maintaining a high level of technical expertise in multilateral trade matters. The initiative for this study emerged from the Second High-Level Dialogue on Arab Accessions in February 2022 and was further developed in subsequent roundtables. China Round Table of 2024 and 2025 in Mascateconsolidating practical experience into a reference guide for the governments of the region.

Key points and frequently asked questions about the accession of Arab countries to the WTO

How does the accession of a new Arab country to the WTO affect a Spanish company?

A: A new country's accession implies its commitment to a framework of predictable and transparent trade rules. For a Spanish company, this translates into greater legal certainty, reduced tariffs and non-tariff barriers, standardized customs procedures, and more equitable market access. It facilitates both the export of goods and services and direct investment in a more stable environment.

What logistical challenges persist in the region despite WTO integration?

A: Although membership in the OMC While it establishes a regulatory framework, it does not immediately address the shortcomings of physical infrastructure. As the study points out, significant disparities persist in the quality of ports, airports, and land corridors, along with high logistics costs. Companies must continue to conduct thorough supply chain and operational risk analyses in each specific market.

Why is it strategic for global stability that these economies integrate into multilateral trade?

A: Integration into the multilateral trading system, as advocated by OMCIt acts as an anchor for domestic economic reforms. It fosters economic diversification, reduces dependence on volatile sectors, and creates employment opportunities. In the long term, greater prosperity and economic stability in the Arab region contribute to reducing geopolitical tensions and creating a more predictable and secure global business environment for all international actors.